Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

In second grade my class was doing a song routine of “Deep In The Heart of Texas”. I couldn’t wait to get my cow-girl costume replete with gun holster. Later, I was devastated to find that we were moving before my grand debut. Many years later our Atlanta community was laughing and talking around the dinner table. Our Dominican Volunteer told us that she was to prepare something for her DV retreat in Texas that combined the theme of community life and Texas. My missed performance sprung to mind and what crazy fun we had re-enacting the scene. This led to gathering costumes at the local thrift store and practicing the song for a video presentation. Check out the photo and you will see the result minus the gun holster which has since been replaced with a passion for a peaceful world. Community life around the dinner table moves all of us deep into the heart of life, even redeeming sad moments and transforming them into creative ones. Sr. Patty Caraher, OP Atlanta, Georgia

Classes at the Global Village School in Decatur, GA for teenage refugee women from Afghanistan, Iraq, Burma, Somalia, Sudan, Eritria, Kenya, Thailand, Nigeria, and more, where I teach nonviolent communication, concluded this week. I was presented with a hand made card which all 31 of the young women had signed, each with her name and a note in her own language. I couldn't read what was written however I'm fluent in translating gratitude. This specific card was made by a Burmese refugee student. The outside of the card pictured a tree in full bloom and read: "You Thank." I smiled, first knowing that this teenager in her native script writes from right to left and secondly, enjoying "You Thank." I do. It's been a year of learning and growing and thanksgiving. Sr. Liz Sully, OP Atlanta, Georgia

In conversation with our Novice who is preparing to make her first profession in August, I began to reflect on how my life has changed from being a Novice to being a Professed Sister. In Augustof this year, even though I have been a Religious Sister for four years, it will just be one year since I made my first profession. Let me explain first profession. In the simplest terms it is when you profess your vows to God and formally become a member of the congregation. Please understand though that it implies much more. Being professed is different. It is most definitely different in that I have become more aware of my rights and responsibilities as a member of the congregation. But, it is much more still. For me, professing my vows and the commitment of those vows to my God somehow took root in me. The phrase that best explains is “a tree is only as strong as its roots.” God’s love for me is like the root of a tree and forms the foundation for my full commitment to God. In reflecting on t...

The last time I blogged I was experiencing spring and discernment. This is also the season for spring concerts and art exhibits, so this is the topic for this month's blog. I have attended the Spring dance and Musical recital, the Pops Concert and the Fine Arts Night at Dominican High School, Whitefish Bay. My heart is bursting with pride and gratitude for the many students who danced and sang their hearts out, and for the students who created from their souls in the art classes. But most of all I'm grateful for the school that considers the arts programs an essential part of the school academic program. From my perspective it is the heart and soul of Dominican High School. It also is a value statement of the school and the Sinsinawa Dominican tradition of the arts in its schools. This is especially significant during this economic climate, where many schools need to make serious cuts. Unfortunately, the arts are often the first to be eliminated because they are considered non...

There are four of us, Jean, Philip Mary, Ginger and I who live together as vowed religious women. We also move beyond our community life to include others who broaden our lives with friendship, laughter, and wonderful conversations. At Christmas time we sent a gift of money to a young friend in prison. Two of us also visit him. If you look closely you will see us holding the home-made thank you notes he individually wrote to each one of us. What a blessing that he is able to make connections with us beyond prison walls, and for us to relish having this wonderful friend. A picture is worth a thousand words… Colleen Nolan, OP Oak Park, IL

I have the good fortune of being at my regional gathering of our sisters in the Northwest. I love these weekend times with my sisters. It is so good to spend time together focusing on mission, vision and values which we all share. The kickoff of each of these weekends is always the highlight for me. We begin with a simple psalm, often using one of Jan Merrill’s lovely translations. Then we begin to catch one another up on what has been happening in our lives and our ministries. What a blessing to hear each other’s stories as we comment on what gives us life and hope in the midst of our service. This last evening one of our sisters spoke so movingly of how a four year old little girl newly diagnosed with cancer has riveted the minds and hearts of all the students in the parochial school where she serves. The students’ faith is being dynamically shaped by her sweet joyous spirit as she faces a life-threatening disease. What gift to hear this story and to let ourselves be changed and tra...

I have always loved the scripture text of 1 Samuel 3, where the Lord calls Samuel. The reason why I love this is because I can totally relate to Samuel who had to be called three times before he recognizes it was the Lord who was calling him. He was able to recognize the Lord’s voice through the help of the priest Eli. For quite a few years in my life I too was not able to recognize the Lord’s voice. Mainly because I was too busy to listen and I was living my life the way I wanted. Or so I thought. I did not have time for God, whom I felt would want to spoil my fun! However, there came a point in my life where I could not ignore the voice of God any longer. I had to decide if I wanted to listen to the Lord’s voice or not. As children of God I truly believe that when God calls we know, because there is a deep conviction within us. Like Samuel who had Eli to help him discern. I had my parish priest and other trusted persons to help me discern. Responding to God’s call is the best decisi...